Dana White confirms Conor McGregor return is finally close

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Dana White has announced that Conor McGregor will return this summer, with an official date and opponent announcement expected soon.

According to reports, the fight announcement is expected in the coming days, no later than next week. McGregor is believed to be facing former featherweight and BMF champion Max Holloway at UFC 329 on July 11, though nothing has been finalised.

White made the revelation during an appearance on the Jim Rome Show while promoting UFC 328 in Newark. The Irishman hasn’t fought since suffering a severe injury in his trilogy bout against Dustin Poirier five years ago.

Dana White shares encouraging update on Conor McGregor’s long-awaited return

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After five years away, Conor McGregor appears finally set to return to the octagon. He has spent most of this year in a focused training camp and has been noticeably quieter than usual, dedicating himself to preparation.

Speaking with Jim Rome, White said an announcement is on the way and that he expects McGregor back in action by summer. That matches up with reports of the Irishman headlining International Fight Week.

When asked if we had seen the last of McGregor, White was quick to respond. “We are in a great place with Conor,” he said. “I’m extremely confident that Conor will fight this year, we’ll get him dialled in and ready roll.”

“He’s training, there’s footage out there… He’ll fight this summer. I thought it would happen last year, it didn’t, I’m extremely confident it will happen this summer.

“He seems motivated, he’s training, and there are a lot of other great things going on behind the scenes that make me very confident that he will fight this summer.”